QUAKER RUN — Tucked up in the hill behind Quaker Lake, 15 new cottages under construction in Cain Hollow are expected to be open and ready for park visitors this spring.
“Ten of the 15 foundations have been completed to date, so those units will be built this winter,” said Jay Bailey, Allegany regional director for the state’s office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “The remaining five cottage foundations will likely be poured in the spring.”
The target completion date of all 15 cottages, which are being constructed by ASP Partners LLC under a 20-year license, is May 1.
“The funds to construct the cottages are derived privately by ASP Partners LLC and through a grant awarded to them through the Regional Economic Development Council,” noted Bailey.
The new builds — each 24-by-24 feet with an 8-foot porch — will have a familiar feel to them.
“The cottages will be similar in structure to the Bova and Parallel cottages, but they will have a different appearance due to changes in the siding used. They will also be slightly smaller and intended only for three-season use,” Bailey said. “These units will be full-service lodging facilities just like Bova and Parallel in that they will have a kitchen with all the necessary appliances with utensils, full bathroom with towel service. The two twin beds will include linens.”
According to Bailey, once the cabins open, “state park staff will be operating and maintaining these cottages on a daily basis once they open; however, ASP Partners LLC will be responsible for capital repairs throughout the term of the license.”
Come spring, the cottages can be reserved through www.reserveamerica.com.
ON THE RED House side of the park along ASP 2, the 10 cabins at Ryan Trail were renovated this past summer and fall.
“All 10 of the Ryan Trail cabins (originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps) received renovations of the main ‘building envelope,’” said park manager Tom Livak. “Work included new roofs, copper chimney flashing, painting of the exteriors, repointing of stone masonry, siding repair as needed, along with other structural repairs, as required, to get the cabins all back into good condition and ready for many more years of service.”
Livak said that even cabin No. 9, which had been closed for many years, was renovated, along with the emergency hold cabin No. 8.
Those familiar with the park likely understand the popularity of this cabin trail, as it features spacious cabins and a private setting overlooking Red House Brook.
“Ryan cabins are a bit unique from other cabin trails in that they each have a fireplace,” added Livak. “These particular cabins date back to the 1930s and do have a unique look compared to some of our other typical cabin designs at Allegany. While all the Ryan cabins are similar to each other in design, they are not exactly the same. They are also larger with multiple rooms — two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen area. Many Ryan cabins also have screened porches.”
These three-season cabins are closed in the winter, but will reopen to visitors in May; reservations can be made now on www.reserveamerica.com.
Livak noted that other cabins within the park are slated to be renovated as well.
“We are working on developing a rehabilitation project for Reed, Indian, and Circle trails for completion in 2018,” he said. “This project will also focus on similar aspects of the ‘building envelope’ – piers, siding, porch, structural and floor repairs, painting, new roofs along with new porches and steps where needed.”
(Email reporter Alicia Dziak at alicia@ellicottvilletimes.com.)
